Friday, August 27, 2010

Vegan Does Not Equal Healthy

Vegan does not equal healthy. It should, but really, in today's world of vegetarian junk food, the two are not synonymous. This knowledge shocks people--can't tell you how many individuals have stared, mouth-agape, at me upon hearing this information. But it is true. I don't want to make waves, but the roots of Veganism did not begin with weight loss. Although, sometimes that is a fortunate by-product! :)

Being vegan is about compassion for the animals. I am glad there are so many health-concerned men and women who call themselves vegans. I only wish that those who live it purely for personal health reasons, would call themselves "Complete Vegetarians", or something understandable like that. The title 'Vegan' denotes a spiritual, moral code of kindness, not a fad or diet, and I believe it is important to respect that.

What do you think?

I don't wish to offend anyone with my views. I recognize that we are all at different points on the path of awareness. I certainly have a lot more room to grow. And it must be said that the pursuit of good health often leads to veganism. (That was my journey, after all.) But learning about the animals themselves and accepting their souls to be as precious as mine, completely changed my heart. I could never have stuck with veganism as a diet, but as a lifestyle of thoughfulness, it is as easy as breathing, for which I am deeply grateful...

So, Vegan does not equal healthy--it represents infinitely more!And even if the whole world disagrees with my choice, I am not afraid to stand alone, forI love being vegan!!

13 comments:

I agree...veganism is a whole lifestyle and philosophy. The choices vegans make reach far beyond the dinner table, and these choices are motivated by respect and compassion for other living creatures.

Those who eat a plant-based diet only for health and/or do not adhere to an overall life philosophy that strives to avoid/not contribute to animal exploitation are not truly vegan.

Having said that though, this isn't really too much of an issue for me personally. The way I see it, even if they don't adopt an entirely vegan lifestyle...the more people who don't eat animal products the better...hopefully the rest will come eventually. We all have to start somewhere.

Good point. Saying you are vegan for health doesn't scan...you can say that you don't eat any animal ingredients for health, but what part about not wearing a leather belt or not wearing a wool sweater is "for your health"? (Unless you are allergic of course).

If a person follows the principles of veganism: not partake in or contribute to animal exploitation to the greatest degree possible, then that person can call themselves vegan...it doesn't matter whether they got their start for health reasons or compassion reasons.

But if a person is going to call themselves a vegan, they should at least fit the description to a reasonable degree. Namely, they have to do more than not just eat animal products for the health advantages.

I can't call my self a chess player just because I have a game of chess in my closet...I have to take the game out and play it in order to call myself one...likewise if I'm going to call myself a vegan, I'm not then, going to walk around in a wool sweater or a leather belt (for example).

To be vegan is a lifestyle like everyone has commented. I've always been health conscious, not wanting to have the health issues that have affected my dad and relatives. Once I decided to go vegan, to eliminate all animal products, I quickly learned about what veganism really is. Veganism is trying to live a life that causes less harm on everyone and everything around me. Even being vegan I'm not perfect or do I point fingers at others because they don't live the same way I do. I think we show by example how happy we are as vegans and how it's made us better people.

There is clearly a difference between saying "I follow a vegan diet" and saying "I'm a vegan," so in essence, I agree with your post.I do, however, feel that the word vegan has been misused in the media so often that only vegans know what "I'm a vegan" truly means.

I don't know if reclaiming the use of the word to its original definition (well explained here: http://www.vegetus.org/honey/honey.htm) is actually possible anymore.

You're so right! If we are happy, healthy, strong, non-pushy, non-judgemental examples of the vegan lifestyle, we can change the world's perception of us. Of course we aren't perfect so we have to be careful about pointing fingers. We just need to focus on being an example of what veganism really means to us--compassion.

It's pretty ironic. I was a vegetarian for over 10 years for ethical reasons--still eating cheese and eggs and dairy. It wasn't until I truly came to grips with my own health issues that I became a vegan. Learning about how all of our modern diseases are basically the result of our diets and that milk is "liquid meat" made becoming a vegan all about me. Go figure!!!!

Hello! I'm...

I married my wonderful Jordan in November 2003. We have no children. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am a vegan. I love hearts and rainbows. I love to smell beautiful blooming flowers. I love to read. I love to write. I love to play Nintendo (on both old and new game systems). I love to eat (especially fresh garden tomatoes.) I love to exercise. I love to organize. I love to smile. I love to laugh. I love to sing. When I was two years old, my mother wrote of me, "She has gobs of rhythm and likes to jive." (Feb. 2015)

Inspiration

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

--Margaret Meade

Just think about it...

Isn't man an amazing animal?

He kills wildlife by the millions in order to protect his domestic animals and their feed. Then he kills domestic animals by the billions and eats them. This in turn kills man by the millions, because eating all those animals leads to degenerative—and fatal—health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. So then man tortures and kills millions more animals to look for cures for these diseases. Elsewhere, millions of other human beings are being killed by hunger and malnutrition because food they could eat is being used to fatten domestic animals.

Meanwhile, some people are dying of sad laughter at the absurdity of man, who kills so easily and so violently, and once a year sends out cards praying for “Peace on Earth.”

--C. David Coates

I invite you to experience what brings peace, joy, and understanding into my life...